NYC environmental deparyment seeks proposals for water improvment projects

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for three contracts to improve water quality in Gowanus Canal, Flushing Bay and Newtown Creek in the city.

Selected consultants will perform engineering works and create green infrastructure projects on the streets and in city-owned buildings in these areas.

The three-year contracts will require services from design to project completion.

NYCDEP commissioner Carter Strickland said implementing the NYC green infrastructure plan will improve water quality throughout New York Harbor and DEP’s neighborhoods.

The first design contract for Gowanus Canal and part of Newtown Creek is valued at $4m, the second contract for a 1000 acre section of Flushing Bay is valued at $5.5m and the third contract for a 450-acre section of Flushing Bay is valued at $2.5m.

The projects, which include bioswales, blue and green roofs, rain gardens and porous pavement are expected to reduce combined sewer overflows and improve harbour water quality.

Consultants, in collaboration with NYCDEP, will finalise the designs, produce construction documents and provide design services through construction.

These companies will also evaluate each specific location and design green infrastructure such as infiltration or retention system to reduce runoff from impervious surfaces during the wet weather.

NYCDEP expects to award the contracts in later this year, with design work to start immediately.

Construction on the projects is expected to begin in 12 months time.

Image: Contracts will be issued to improve water quality in Flushing Bay. Photo:Transpoman.